Employee Relations Specialist

Reed; Borehamwood; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Reed in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Advisor to lead a broad range of cases and ensure fair, policy-aligned decisions under UK law. The role requires strong analytical and communication skills and the ability to coach managers through challenging conversations.

You will investigate, conduct hearings and appeals, and support organisational transformations while building effective relationships with managers, employee representatives and unions where applicable.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in an Employee Relations Advisor role.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment legislation.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience coaching and influencing managers.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
• Experience in handling organisational transformations and restructures is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage employee relations cases including disciplinary matters and grievances.
• Conduct investigations, hearings and appeals and coach managers.
• Prepare paperwork, manage administration and coordinate diaries.
• Assess risk and provide pragmatic recommendations to minimise exposure.
• Build relationships with managers, employee reps, and trade unions where applicable.
• Influence decisions to ensure good people management.
• Coach managers to improve people management capabilities.
• Support managers in handling difficult conversations and workplace conflicts.
• Support organisational transformations, restructures, and change initiatives.
• Ensure adherence to UK employment legislation and company policies.
• Support policy development reflecting legislative changes.
• Contribute to ER-related projects and continuous improvement.

Skills

Employee relations

UK employment law

Communication skills

Case management

Coaching managers

Stakeholder management

Organisational change

Job description

My client is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Advisor to lead and manage a broad range of employee relations cases. This role requires a deep understanding of employment legislation and a strong ability to manage complex HR issues effectively. The successful candidate will ensure that all employee relations matters are handled consistently, fairly, and in accordance with internal policies and legal requirements.

Day-to-Day of the Role:

• Lead and manage various employee relations cases, including disciplinary matters, grievances, performance management, absence management, capability processes, flexible working requests, and restructuring consultations.
• Conduct investigations, hearings, and appeals as required, while coaching managers on best practices.
• Prepare all associated paperwork, manage related administration, and coordinate diaries.
• Assess risk and provide pragmatic recommendations to minimise legal and employee relations exposure.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with business managers, employee representatives, and trade unions where applicable.
• Influence and challenge management decisions to ensure good people management practices.
• Coach managers to improve their people management capabilities and confidence.
• Support managers in handling difficult conversations and workplace conflicts.
• If applicable, support organisational transformations, restructures, and change initiatives, managing consultation processes and communication activities during periods of transition.
• Ensure adherence to UK employment legislation and company policies.
• Support policy development and review to reflect legislative changes and best practices.
• Contribute to ER-related projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Proven experience in an Employee Relations Advisor role or similar.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment legislation.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage complex and sensitive cases effectively.
• Experience in coaching and influencing managers.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
• Experience in handling organisational transformations and restructures is desirable.